Dovizioso surprised by front row slot

Andrea Dovizioso achieved his first front row position on a Ducati Team motorcycle by achieving third place in Qualifying for the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France. After the session, the Italian admitted that the result was not expected.

Although he had predicted an improvement in performances at Le Mans this weekend, Dovizioso did not foresee his first front row position since Malaysia 2012 and Ducati’s first since the Spanish Grand Prix earlier in that season.

"We knew that our bike would be working better at this track, but we didn’t expect the first row," the Italian stated in the post-qualifying press conference.

"My pace is not too bad and we are closer to the fastest riders in comparison with other tracks, but I didn’t expect this lap time and I was really surprised when I saw the split during the laps. We had the possibility to do a good lap time and we have a better pace here, so I’m confident of having a good rhythm tomorrow: that is our target.

"I hope to have a dry race, but it looks as though the Ducati will also be working in the wet so we’ll see tomorrow."